take extraordinary steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take extraordinary steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions that are beyond the usual measures taken to achieve a goal or address a situation. Example: "In order to ensure the safety of our employees during the pandemic, we decided to take extraordinary steps to implement health protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

People take extraordinary steps to pay them".

The New York Times

But Internet firms realize they must now take extraordinary steps in response to extraordinary new threats.

MIT Technology Review

State regulators say Dominion has promised to take extraordinary steps to make the compressor station safe.

The Washington Post

"He has given me his word that he will take extraordinary steps to change behavior.

The New York Times - Sports

But we do not have the ability to take extraordinary steps to help individual clubs.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've had to take extraordinary steps to get stuff to them, fighting to open up some of the routes," Brig.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

We took extraordinary steps to ensuring our people were trained well," said.

Independent

Governments around the world took extraordinary steps to shore up their banking systems.

The Economist

Every subsequent generation has cherished campus trees, often taking extraordinary steps to protect them.

Princeton University

Presidents have taken extraordinary steps before, at times invoking crises facing the United States.

The Washington Post

Tutu accused the ANC government of taking "extraordinary steps to obstruct the course of justice".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "take extraordinary steps" with a clear explanation of the specific actions being taken to underscore the commitment and seriousness of the response.

Common error

Avoid using "take extraordinary steps" when ordinary measures would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take extraordinary steps" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of implementing exceptional measures. It's often used to highlight a deliberate and significant response to a challenging situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take extraordinary steps" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of implementing significant and unusual measures in response to a critical situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants actions beyond the ordinary. Consider alternative phrases such as "implement exceptional measures" or "adopt drastic measures" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement exceptional measures

Focuses on the execution of unusual or special actions.

adopt drastic measures

Emphasizes the severity or intensity of the actions taken.

undertake exceptional actions

Highlights the commitment and initiation of notable activities.

employ unprecedented strategies

Focuses on using tactics that have not been used before.

resort to extreme actions

Implies that other options have been exhausted.

initiate significant interventions

Stresses the importance and impact of the actions taken.

enact extraordinary procedures

Highlights the formal and regulated aspect of the actions.

carry out unprecedented actions

Focuses on executing actions that are original and new.

move towards drastic solutions

Emphasizes the shift towards decisive and intense solutions.

take decisive action

Highlights the quick and firm approach to address a situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to "take extraordinary steps"?

To "take extraordinary steps" means to implement actions that are unusual, exceptional, and beyond the typical or expected measures in a given situation. It implies a serious or critical need that warrants a significant response.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take extraordinary steps"?

It is appropriate to use "take extraordinary steps" when describing situations that require significant, unusual intervention. This phrase should be used when standard procedures are insufficient or when facing a crisis.

Are there alternative phrases I can use instead of "take extraordinary steps"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "implement exceptional measures", "adopt drastic measures", or "undertake exceptional actions" depending on the specific context.

Is "take extraordinary steps" a formal or informal phrase?

"Take extraordinary steps" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is frequently used in news reporting and business communications. The level of formality will depend on the surrounding language and the situation.